Staff Spotlight: Daniel Ojala

This staff spotlight focuses on Kitongo’s campus director, Mr. Ojala! Mr. Ojala oversees all of the programs and operations on Kitongo’s campus, which is no easy feat. Anyone who has visited the campus in the last couple years has had the opportunity to get to know him, but for those who haven’t, here is a chance to learn about this wonderful man who is doing fantastic things for our flagship campus.

Where are you from?

“I was born and raised in a district known as Rorya formerly called Tarime, in a village called Panyakoo, from the Musoma-Mara region.”

How old are you?

“I just turned 41 years old on August 10th”

What is your favorite thing to do at Mainsprings?

“Monitoring and supervising all departments at the Kitongo campus, this includes the school, healthcare, farm, girls home and our restaurant and lodge- papas. However, performance improvement at the school is my favorite area.”

What is your position at Mainsprings?

“I am the campus director at Mainsprings’ Kitongo campus.”

How long have you been working at Mainsprings? 

“This is my second year working with Mainsprings.”

What is your favorite thing about Mainsprings?

“The teamwork, spirit, dedication and the never-ending smiles from the staff and students are my favorite things working at Mainsprings.”

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“I really enjoy the teamwork and cooperation when working with other staff members as well as the challenges that come with the job, particularly during the busy season when we host many guests.  This requires all of us working together to be proactive, alert and prepared for any and all challenges.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?

“Working beyond normal hours and with tight schedules to ensure that the organization and guests have everything they need.”

What is your biggest accomplishment you have achieved since you have joined Mainsprings?

“When I arrived here a year ago the school department, and in particular, the secondary school had been underperforming by my expectations.  But with strategies that I helped put in place, we’ve managed to improve and now have the highest performance numbers since the school started. Additionally, I have managed to take teachers through several staff development programs that have impacted their classroom practices. Similarly I have cooperated with different departments to create mechanisms that foster program improvements in the health services, Papa’s restaurant, girls home and permaculture.”

What is your best memory since you have joined Mainsprings?

“I remember when I first joined Mainsprings, I was tasked with handling the money. I felt a bit scared as this was not my area of expertise. However, with hard work and training from one of the supervisors whom I was paired with, I am now very comfortable handling the finances and am very proud of that.”

What impact would you like to see Mainsprings have in our nearby community? 

“There are three areas that I would like Mainsprings to have an impact on the nearby community. First thing is education- I believe with the kind of education we provide, the community will have the ability to be empowered and knowledgeable to face the future with confidence.

Secondly, I would like to see expanded permaculture practices, as many members of the community are farmers and agriculture is the major field that the community relies on economically. I believe we offer the best permaculture seminars and training and will help the community improve their yields and boost their economic status.

Lastly, health services- this will improve the community’s overall health allowing those with very limited access to care get the necessary treatment so they can continue to be productive members of society as a whole.”

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This post was written by Mainsprings